ENCORE Ministry Foundation provides training and support, resources, and networking opportunities to equip church leaders for intentional ministry by, with, and for older adults. There is no cost to congregations or districts for its service.
Our world is getting older. And it’s getting older fast. An age revolution is taking place in our nation where thousands of people each day are entering their retirement years and the Third Age of life.
Intentional ministry by, with, and for older adults.
Like no other time in history, this emerging population trend of midlife and mature adults is providing local churches with a unique opportunity to reach out and minister to and through them. With growing numbers of midlife and mature adults in our pews, congregations have an opportunity to be blessed by the gifts, prayers, presence, service, and witness of their older members. If given a chance, older adults can provide congregations with a unique opportunity to make a significant and positive impact in the life of our communities.
Unfortunately, many church leaders have little training or understanding in knowing how ministry by, with, and for midlife and mature adults can help bring about a new vitality to their congregations.
In 2018, grant support from the ENCORE Ministry Foundation (formerly the Golden Cross Foundation) funded two tiny homes at The Village at Glencliff, located on the campus of Glencliff United Methodist Church in Nashville. These homes have become a beacon of hope for older adults, people experiencing homelessness, and individuals facing illness.
If we are to seize this moment in time, congregational leaders must be trained and provided with effective resources. We need to build ministries that are creative, intentional, and led by people who are equipped, inspired, and passionate for the task.
To meet the needs of an aging population, ENCORE Ministry Foundation provides:
Just who and what is ENCORE Ministry Foundation you ask? Click on the link below to see the latest information about this intentional ministry by, with, and for older adults. The two-sided 8 1/2″ x 11″ brochure is formatted so church leaders and individuals can download and print a single copy and then make as many copies as needed. The PDF can also be posted on church and organization websites.
The ENCORE Ministry Foundation provided a grant to First United Methodist in Columbia, Tennessee, to help fund their feeding ministry, the People’s Table. Since 2004, the People’s Table ministry serves meals to neighbors in need every Tuesday evening and Friday afternoon, providing nourishment, love, and hope to the homeless, elderly, families, and individuals struggling to make ends meet. However, the need in the community is growing. With the closure of a local battery plant and reductions in SNAP benefits, more families are facing food insecurity.
Together, we can be the hands and feet of Jesus, feeding the hungry, caring for the vulnerable, and showing love to those who need it most. Every dollar you give to the Kent and Ellen McNish Fund for Older Adult Food Security helps feeding ministries stretch resources and serve more meals to those in need. Donate today and help support life-changing feeding ministries like the People’s Table.
